Working group drops "visitation" classification from draft open-space spectrum

Members of Goldens parks/open-space working group spent substantial time debating a proposed three-part spectrum classification (resource protection, natural area, visitation) and whether that model helps or confuses local management. Several members argued that without a site-specific ecological inventory the "visitation" label risked implying active recreation and could contradict Goldens adopted open-space definition. One member summarized the concern: "The definition of open space... prioritizes conservation and preservation, but the visitation area prioritizes recreational opportunities in natural disturbed landscapes," and several members called that wording inconsistent with the adopted language.